A week long road trip, part one.

                         Hello poppets! I have much to share with all who are willing.
 I have been on a week long trip having an adventure. The first part of my journey sees me delivering a stunning quilt to it's maker and owner, through to climbing mountains and visiting friends and family. If you are only interested in the quilting side just read the first part of this post, then forget the rest!
Facebook followers and stalkers have seen a few teasing sneak peeks of Raewyn's Mountmellick Quilt. Here you will enjoy not only the 'before quilting took place' photo's but Raewyn's lovely blog.

What a treat to meet Raewyn in person and be greeted with open arms! After a tour of her amazing home (a converted church) and a yummy coffee I presented Raewyn with her finished quilt. I was commissioned by Raewyn to custom quilt and make and attach the binding ready for Raewyn to hand stitch in place.

Raewyn purchased the quilt as a Block of the Month from USA as she loved the same fabric's Di Ford used.

After several phone calls and emails we sorted what could be done to give the centre piece more 'poof'. See Raewyn's post about her dilemma over her flat applique block.
Now we have texture! I pebbled, "LeeanneMcDoodled" and feathered to bring more texture to this stunning quilt!

I ditched stitched until the cows came home, or at least until I was really over ditch stitching, with so much applique and detail that needed to be bought into the lime light ditch stitching was the foundation to create that.

The choosing of red thread for the border.......................On Di Ford's original featured in the Quiltmania magazine the quilter (unknown to me) used a fawny/ beige thread on the red borders which just didn't 'sit' with me. Thankfully Raewyn was over the moon I had chosen a deep red thread for the feathered border. I chalked a rough spine for the feather and went to town playing with my beloved feathers!

Raewyn chose Matilda's Own wool/poly batting for some added softeness and loft, this helped create the desired texture.

As well as custom quilting, making and attach the binding I was asked to pattern match the lovely backing fabric.

What a treat this has been working on a beautifully made quilt, I am sure Raewyn will find a magical spot in her amazing home to display her handy work, thanks again Raewyn for entrusting me with your work of art!
From Raewyn's I headed to Hamilton to have lunch with a dear family friend, then on to meet another blogger friend..........................................

This photo was stolen from Sue's blog without her permisson!! Yikes naughty me! My hand is out ready for the whack Sue! No doubt with your humour, friendship and love of life you will forgive me! We shared a lovely swing in the garden chatting with a cuppa in hand sorting the worlds problems with her collection of chicken's and two dogs Sheba and Oscar wanting in on the action. Great visiting new friends! The jug is on ready for you to visit me Sue!

From Sue's I travelled to spend the night with my friend Julie. A visit I always look forward to. The arms of a welcoming friend is always a welcomed one.

I could have bought every item in Julie's wee cottage, but I still needed my money to stretch out for the rest of my journey. (on my return visit I may have bought one or two treats!)
We shared a coffee at a fabulous cafe ( I forgot the name!), below are a few photo's which once housed an electrician's workshop.
This photo is of the mural that greets you upon entering.

A piano for those wanting to twinkle their fingers or a bike to take a spin on!

 The art work...........................................................

I loved the artwork and eclectic collection of furniture, we had cheerful service, which seems to becoming a rare treasure these days and of course great coffee.
From Julie's I headed to Omori where I was meeting with a group to take on the Tongariro Crossing. This is coming up in my 'part two' blog post post, in the meantime enjoy the photo of the moon shining on Lake Taupo.

 
Back soon.............................................